ACCESS Graduation

Hats off for ACCESS students

Two hundred students, along with their families, celebrated their participation in the ACCESS Microscholarship Program at Ambassador William J. Garvelink’s residence on Saturday, November 7.  USAID Mission Director Stephen Haykin delivered the keynote address in both French and English, congratulating the 100 graduating students on their success and welcoming the 100 new students to the program, prior to presenting them with diplomas and certificates, respectively.  Serving as master of ceremonies was Kanika Flavien of the Congolese American Language Institute (CALI), which provides teachers as well as administrative support for the ACCESS program.  Secretary General of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Lufunisabo Bundoki spoke of the importance of English language learning.  In his remarks, Cheik Abdalah Mangala Luaba, Grand Imam of the local Muslim community, thanked Embassy Kinshasa, the American people and President Barack Obama for the program.  In excellent English, graduating student Espoir Biduaya told how ACCESS opened up a new world for him and his fellow students.  Also speaking at the event were Public Affairs Officer Katya Thomas and Public Diplomacy Officer Stephen Weeks.  Sandy Francis sang both the Congolese and American national anthems. The ACCESS Microscholarship Program provides two years of English language training to disadvantaged teenagers.  The 100 new students all attend Muslim schools in Kinshasa.   An Embassy supported ACCESS program in Lubumbashi currently serves 100 students in that city.